Law to curb hate speeches in progress – Minister of Interior

Lt.-Gen Abdulrahman Dambazau, Minister of Interior, has said that a Bill for the prosecution of people who engage in Hate Speeches is in progress.

The Minister said a Draft Bill has been submitted to the Ministry of Justice which will review it and send to the National Assembly as an Executive Bill for passage into law.

Mr Dambazau noted that hate speeches must never be allowed in Nigeria, as nobody determines the tribe that he/she belongs to and everyone is entitled to his or her own religion. He pointed out that if the law is passed by the National Assembly, offenders would be prosecuted and punished in accordance with the law.

In a related development, Dr Garba Abari, Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), has admonished Nigerians to beware of hate speeches as they might risk their freedom if the rising wave of hate speeches is allowed to snowball into a war situation.

The Director General who noted that some hate songs against the Igbos by some mischievous Northerners, as well as messages from some misguided Igbos against other ethnic groups are in circulation on social media, however assured the public that Federal Government is putting all necessary measures in curbing the current situation as it is dedicated towards ensuring safety and security.

Mr Abari also pointed out that the current trend appears to give the impression that Nigerians have not learnt anything from the civil war. He recalled that the 30 months civil war of 1967 to 1970, in which over two million people lost their lives, had started as a result of intolerance and a series of hate pronouncements, speeches, conducts and actions inflicted upon one another by fellow Nigerians.

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